A Comparative Study on the Performance Profile of Under-17 and Under-19 Handball Players Trained in the Sports School System.

This study evaluates the anatomical profiles, jump, sprint, power outputs, endurance, and peak blood lactate levels ([LA]peak) of handball players of two age groups-U17 (n = 77) and U19 (n = 46)-and analyses the role of training in their physical abilities. Vertical jump performance was determined by counter movement jump (CMJ) and counter movement jump with free arms (CMJFA) tests. A running-based anaerobic sprint test (RAST) determined the relative power output (watts/kg body weight) and absolute power output (watts) of the players. Sprint performance over 5 m, 10 m, and 30 m distances was evaluated. An incremental shuttle run test (40 m) was designed to determine aerobic threshold (AeT), anaerobic threshold (AnT), and [LA]peak. All parameters were measured for pivots, wingers, backs, and goalkeepers of each group. The U19 players were significantly heavier than the U17 group, but both the groups were nearly equal in height. The U19 group jumped higher than the U17 members, although the only significant difference (p = 0.032) was observed between the wingers of the groups in CMJ. Sprint performance varied marginally between the groups and only U19 pivots were found to be significantly (for distances of 5, 10, and 30 m: p = 0.047, p = 0.018, and p = 0.021, respectively) faster than U17 pivots. No difference in relative power output between the groups was noted, although the U19 players recorded higher absolute power outputs. Maximal velocity and velocities at the AeT and AnT were almost similar in the groups. Distance covered by the groups at the intensities of AeT and AnT varied only little. Higher [LA]peak was observed in the U19 players. U19 players failed to convert their superior power into speed and jump. The training pattern of the handball players needs to be revised so that U19 players may develop faster and be more enduring than the U17 group.

Criterion Validity, Reliability and Usefulness of a Judo-Specific Maximal Aerobic Power Test.

PURPOSE: To evaluate criterion validity, reliability and usefulness of a test to measure maximal aerobic power using judo-specific movements (UKtest). METHODS: 12 judokas performed five graded exercise tests (GETs) in 4 sessions. In sessions 1 and 2, upper-body (UBtest), lower-body (LBtest) and familiarization UKtest. GETs were randomly performed and separated by at least 48 hours. In sessions 3 and 4, test and retest UKtest were performed (7-day apart). For all GETs, peak oxygen consumption (V̇O2peak), maximal heart rate (HRmax), peak blood lactate concentration ([Lapeak]), maximal aerobic intensity and rating of perceived exertion (RPE) were determined. Another group of 12 judokas performed the UKtest and one confirmation test (20-min after the UKtest), at 105% of maximal aerobic speed (MAS) until exhaustion, to confirm if maximal responses were achieved. RESULTS: V̇O2peak did not differ (P>.05) between UKtest (46.04±5.34 mL.kg-1.min-1) and LBtest (44.78±5.98 mL.kg-1.min-1), but was higher (P<.05) than UBtest (37.03±7.16 mL.kg-1.min-1). Total duration (551±60s) and [Lapeak] (7.10±1.76 mmol.L-1) in the UKtest were different (P<.05) from UBtest (416±47s, 9.93±2.15 mmol.L-1, respectively) and LBtest (433±54s, 10.29±2.23 mmol.L-1, respectively). Very large relationships between V̇O2peak in UKtest with UBtest (r=0.78, P=.003) and LBtest (r=0.87, P<.001) were found. Maximal values were achieved for the UKtest V̇O2peak, HRmax, [Lapeak], RPE and MAS, with no difference between test and retest (P>.05). In addition, very large intraclass correlation coefficients (ICC) for the V̇O2peak (ICC=0.86), HRmax (ICC=0.90) and MAS (ICC=0.81) were found. CONCLUSIONS: UKtest can be considered a valid, reliable and useful test to measure maximal aerobic power using judo-specific movements.

Aberrant peak lactate response in MS.

BACKGROUND: The peak blood lactate response to an exhaustive exercise test in a number of chronic conditions has been shown to differ from that seen in healthy, untrained individuals. However, this has not been investigated for patients with multiple sclerosis (MS). OBJECTIVE: The main objective was to determine and compare the peak blood lactate response to exercise and the maximal workload between two groups of MS patients with different illness severity. METHODS: Twenty-five patients with a relapsing-remitting disease course (Group RR) and 41 patients with a secondary- or primary chronic progressive disease course (group CP) performed an exhaustive incremental bicycle ergometry. Peak blood lactate, maximal workload, peak oxygen consumption and maximal heart rate were measured. RESULTS: The peak blood lactate levels and maximal workload differed significantly between the groups (group CP < group RR; p < 0.001). Furthermore spiroergometric peak performance markers in both groups were significantly lower than predicted for healthy age and sex matched untrained groups. CONCLUSION: A reduced peak blood lactate response to exercise is a novel finding for MS patients. This calls into doubt if the lactate performance tests and lactate thresholds used for healthy individuals can be transferred to MS patients.